Invisible Stories: Theatre with Live Music from the Sundarbans at BSA Nov 6

Invisible stories - threatrical show tobe held at Shilpakala Academy on November 6 and 7

A captivating theatrical journey through Bengali folklore, ghosts and the mysteries of the modern world

Alliance Française de Dhaka, Compagnie Graine de Vie and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy present Invisible Stories, an immersive theatrical production that explores the fascinating world of Bengali ghost stories through body puppetry, live music and surreal imagination.

Scheduled for 6 and 7 November 2026, at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka, the production offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience Bangladesh’s rich oral traditions through an innovative blend of contemporary theatre and traditional storytelling.

Created and directed by renowned French puppeteer Laurie Cannac, Invisible Stories draws inspiration from the mystical narratives and cultural heritage of Bangladesh, where the supernatural is deeply intertwined with everyday life, history and the natural environment. Inspired by her encounters with Bangladeshi artists and communities, Cannac has developed this production as an artistic tribute to the resilience, humour, optimism and wisdom of the people of Bangladesh.

At the heart of the story are two scientists investigating the influence of ghosts on everyday life in Dhaka. Confident in their scientific knowledge, they soon find themselves drawn into an extraordinary adventure where the boundaries between the human and supernatural worlds begin to dissolve. Their journey takes them beyond the urban landscape towards the mysterious wilderness and ecological richness of the Sundarbans, uncovering unexpected connections between people, nature and the unseen forces that influence our lives.

Through traditional Bengali ghost stories, the production transforms Dhaka into a surreal metropolis where familiar urban realities, from notorious traffic congestion to rapid urban transformation, are reimagined through supernatural explanations. By bringing ancient beliefs into conversation with contemporary challenges, Invisible Stories offers a playful yet thought-provoking exploration of cultural memory, ecological awareness and humanity’s enduring relationship with nature.

Featuring performances by Laurie Cannac and Swatee Bhadra, accompanied by live music from Nonabhumi Organisation, the production represents a vibrant artistic collaboration between French and Bangladeshi artists. Through the expressive language of body puppetry and the evocative sounds of live music, the performance promises an imaginative theatrical experience that celebrates folklore, cultural exchange and shared heritage.

The performance on 6 November will be presented in English and Bangla, while the performance on 7 November will be presented in French and Bangla, making the experience accessible to diverse audiences.

Admission is free and open to all, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Event Details

Dates: 6 and 7 November 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Venue: Experimental Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy

Address: 14/3 Segunbagicha Road, Segunbagicha, Dhaka